Best Configuration for 2-Comp Wired Network

[Guest]

I have 2 computers using Windows XP Home SP2. They are connected through a
switch and 2 Cat5 patch cables. Each computer has its own connection to a
dialup phone line for the Internet. I don't need ICS since both comps can
dial independently. When I run the Network Setup Wizard, none of the listed
configurations seem to fit what I have. I've tried using the network with no
Internet option, and shared resources (files and printers) either don't
connect or connect incredibly slowly.

What's the best choice for this kind of network, OR is there an alternative
to running the wizard that will work?

Also, the wizard asks me to be connected to the Internet during setup. If
this necessary when I'm not using ICS?

 

[Chuck]

I have 2 computers using Windows XP Home SP2. They are connected through a
switch and 2 Cat5 patch cables. Each computer has its own connection to a
dialup phone line for the Internet. I don't need ICS since both comps can
dial independently. When I run the Network Setup Wizard, none of the listed
configurations seem to fit what I have. I've tried using the network with no
Internet option, and shared resources (files and printers) either don't
connect or connect incredibly slowly.

What's the best choice for this kind of network, OR is there an alternative
to running the wizard that will work?

Also, the wizard asks me to be connected to the Internet during setup. If
this necessary when I'm not using ICS?

Charlie,

If you have to run 2 computers, each with its own dial-up connection, you need
to select "This computer connects to the Internet directly or through a network
hub. Other computers on my network also connect to the Internet directly or
through a hub.". This will, unfortunately, assign IP settings to each at the
whim of the ISP.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#MultiDirect>

Since you can't predict the (IP) network settings for either computer, this is
one case where you will need to use IPX / SPX for file sharing. Be sure to
remove NBT / TCP/IP from file sharing!
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/one-unique-case-where-ipxspx-may-help.html>

Please be sure to use Windows Firewall, or a third party product, properly
configured, at all times! Protect yourself from the Internet!
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>

If your ISP is PPP compatible, consider replacing both modems with a PPP
compatible dialup router, and external modem. You'll be safer, and you could
save money in the long term.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/sharing-your-dialup-internet-service.html>

 

[Tony]

I have 2 computers using Windows XP Home SP2. They are connected through a
switch and 2 Cat5 patch cables. Each computer has its own connection to a
dialup phone line for the Internet. I don't need ICS since both comps can
dial independently. When I run the Network Setup Wizard, none of the
listed
configurations seem to fit what I have. I've tried using the network with
no
Internet option, and shared resources (files and printers) either don't
connect or connect incredibly slowly.

What's the best choice for this kind of network, OR is there an
alternative
to running the wizard that will work?

Also, the wizard asks me to be connected to the Internet during setup. If
this necessary when I'm not using ICS?

Best configuration is a manual configuration.

Go to start >> connect to >> show all connections

Right click on the Local Area Connection and click on properties.

Click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Click on Properties

Select "Use the following IP address

For the first computer type in 192.168.0.1
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Second computer type in 192.168.0.2
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Click okay and try that.

let us know if it works okay

Ta.

 

[Tony]

On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 09:03:39 -0800, Charlie Pyeatte
<[email protected]_SPAM>

If you have to run 2 computers, each with its own dial-up connection, you
need
to select "This computer connects to the Internet directly or through a
network
hub. Other computers on my network also connect to the Internet directly
or
through a hub.". This will, unfortunately, assign IP settings to each at
the
whim of the ISP.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#MultiDirect>

Erm, OP has dialup. You only need to disable printer and file sharing for
the dialup connection adaptor. The above won't help because the ethernet
adaptors will not be allocated an IP and will be given one of the
169.X.X.X - automatic configuration/can't find DHCP server type addresses
which is probably why the network connection between the two PC's is so
slow.

Since you can't predict the (IP) network settings for either computer,
this is
one case where you will need to use IPX / SPX for file sharing. Be sure
to
remove NBT / TCP/IP from file sharing!
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/one-unique-case-where-ipxspx-may-help.html>

The dial up adaptor will be allocate the IP from the ISP not the network
card.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I have 2 computers using Windows XP Home SP2. They are connected through a
switch and 2 Cat5 patch cables. Each computer has its own connection to a
dialup phone line for the Internet. I don't need ICS since both comps can
dial independently. When I run the Network Setup Wizard, none of the listed
configurations seem to fit what I have. I've tried using the network with no
Internet option, and shared resources (files and printers) either don't
connect or connect incredibly slowly.

What's the best choice for this kind of network, OR is there an alternative
to running the wizard that will work?

Also, the wizard asks me to be connected to the Internet during setup. If
this necessary when I'm not using ICS?

No, you don't have to be connected to the Internet during setup.

I agree that there's no Wizard option that fits what you have. It
works for a LAN Internet connection or for a shared dial-up Internet
connection, but not for individual dial-up connections on multiple
computers. Fortunately, you don't need to use the Network Setup
Wizard.

Here's how to allow file and printer sharing between your computers on
the LAN while protecting your computers from access by hackers on the
Internet:

1. Assign static private IP addresses to your computers. For example:

10.0.0.1 and 10.0.0.2, subnet mask 255.0.0.0
172.16.0.1 and 172.16.0.2, subnet mask 255.240.0.0
192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2, subnet mask 255.255.255.0

2. Configure the firewall on each computer to allow access on the LAN
subnet and to block access from all other IP addresses.

Third-party firewalls (Norton, ZoneAlarm, McAfee, etc) either do that
automatically or have configuration options to do it. With a
third-party firewall, be sure to turn off the built-in Windows
Firewall.

If your computers don't have a third-party firewall program, configure
the Windows Firewall:

1. Click Control Panel | Security Center | Windows Firewall.
2. Set the firewall to "On (recommended)".
3. Click Exceptions and put a check mark in "File and Printer
Sharing".
4. Click Edit.
5. Put a check mark in each box.
6. If the Scope for each box doesn't say Subnet:
a. Click "change scope".
b. Select "My network (subnet) only".
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Guest]

No, you don't have to be connected to the Internet during setup.

I agree that there's no Wizard option that fits what you have. It
works for a LAN Internet connection or for a shared dial-up Internet
connection, but not for individual dial-up connections on multiple
computers. Fortunately, you don't need to use the Network Setup
Wizard.

Here's how to allow file and printer sharing between your computers on
the LAN while protecting your computers from access by hackers on the
Internet:

1. Assign static private IP addresses to your computers. For example:

10.0.0.1 and 10.0.0.2, subnet mask 255.0.0.0
172.16.0.1 and 172.16.0.2, subnet mask 255.240.0.0
192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2, subnet mask 255.255.255.0

2. Configure the firewall on each computer to allow access on the LAN
subnet and to block access from all other IP addresses.

Third-party firewalls (Norton, ZoneAlarm, McAfee, etc) either do that
automatically or have configuration options to do it. With a
third-party firewall, be sure to turn off the built-in Windows
Firewall.

If your computers don't have a third-party firewall program, configure
the Windows Firewall:

1. Click Control Panel | Security Center | Windows Firewall.
2. Set the firewall to "On (recommended)".
3. Click Exceptions and put a check mark in "File and Printer
Sharing".
4. Click Edit.
5. Put a check mark in each box.
6. If the Scope for each box doesn't say Subnet:
a. Click "change scope".
b. Select "My network (subnet) only".
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Thank you all for jumping in with some solutions. I tried Chuck's wizard
approach first. I thought it might have been the choice I made back when the
whole netowrk actually worked. This time, it didn't. "My Network Places" was
empty, neither computer could see or ping the other. I am trying to make sure
that I have a good physical connection before trying another setup. I also
reset TCP/IP and ran a fix for winsock corruption. My ongoing concern is
that I've had to try so many fixes (including a Windows reinstall) that I
need to clean up after each attempt as much as I can. I'll report back on
trying to set it up manually and testing for NIC and cable problems.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

[snip]
Thank you all for jumping in with some solutions. I tried Chuck's wizard
approach first. I thought it might have been the choice I made back when the
whole netowrk actually worked. This time, it didn't. "My Network Places" was
empty, neither computer could see or ping the other. I am trying to make sure
that I have a good physical connection before trying another setup. I also
reset TCP/IP and ran a fix for winsock corruption. My ongoing concern is
that I've had to try so many fixes (including a Windows reinstall) that I
need to clean up after each attempt as much as I can. I'll report back on
trying to set it up manually and testing for NIC and cable problems.

You're welcome. Browsing through My Network Places is unreliable, as
you can see from the large number of messages about it in this news
group. Try accessing the other computer directly, without browsing,
by typing its name in the Start | Run box in this format:

\\computer

If that doesn't work, here are some tests to help find the problem.
on each computer, open a command prompt window and enter these
commands. Each one should get four replies:

ping <this computer's IP address>
ping <other computer's IP address>
ping <this computer's name>
ping <other computer's name>

For example:

ping 192.168.0.1
ping 192.168.0.2
ping desktop
ping laptop
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Guest]

[snip]
Thank you all for jumping in with some solutions. I tried Chuck's wizard
approach first. I thought it might have been the choice I made back when the
whole netowrk actually worked. This time, it didn't. "My Network Places" was
empty, neither computer could see or ping the other. I am trying to make sure
that I have a good physical connection before trying another setup. I also
reset TCP/IP and ran a fix for winsock corruption. My ongoing concern is
that I've had to try so many fixes (including a Windows reinstall) that I
need to clean up after each attempt as much as I can. I'll report back on
trying to set it up manually and testing for NIC and cable problems.

You're welcome. Browsing through My Network Places is unreliable, as
you can see from the large number of messages about it in this news
group. Try accessing the other computer directly, without browsing,
by typing its name in the Start | Run box in this format:

\\computer

If that doesn't work, here are some tests to help find the problem.
on each computer, open a command prompt window and enter these
commands. Each one should get four replies:

ping <this computer's IP address>
ping <other computer's IP address>
ping <this computer's name>
ping <other computer's name>

For example:

ping 192.168.0.1
ping 192.168.0.2
ping desktop
ping laptop
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

LATEST RESULTS:

Follwoing the instructions in Microsoft's 8-part series on setting up a
network, I did the following:
1. Installed Client for MS Networks, QOS Packet Sheduling, File & Print
Sharing and configured TCP/IP for fixed IP address of 192.168.0.1 and
192.168.0.2 for FRED and WILMA respectively.
2. I turned off the firewall on the local network connections.
3. I enabled NetBIOS over TCP/IP
4. I configured one folder on each computer to be shared but not the root
drive of either computer.

Now I could se My Netowrk Places, but each comp can only see the folder it
is ahring not the shared folder on the other comp. In Workgroup Computers,
FRED has icons for both; WILMA has icons for only WILMA. Clicking on the
WILMA icon on FRED yields a error message that access isn't possible and "The
Network path was not found."

Neither comp can ping the other by name or address.

The details I gathered are:



Status for domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{05C875A5-F2E0-4B56-933B-2503982D3011}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: FRED
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master FRED
\\FRED
There are 2 servers in domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{05C875A5-F2E0-4B56-933B-2503982D3011}
There are 1 domains in domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{05C875A5-F2E0-4B56-933B-2503982D3011}

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : FRED
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
Ethernet adapter Studynet:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0B-6A-EE-4A-E6
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

Ping: Ping request could not find host wilma. Please check the name and try
again.

Status for domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{62A406F1-67DE-4422-AC60-A7157B099486}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: WILMA
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master WILMA
\\WILMA
There are 1 servers in domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{62A406F1-67DE-4422-AC60-A7157B099486}
There are 1 domains in domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{62A406F1-67DE-4422-AC60-A7157B099486}

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : Wilma
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Studynet:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0B-6A-EF-6D-04
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.2
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

Ping: Ping request could not find host fred. Please check the name and try
again.

I'm assuming that the fact that WILMA sees other computers in browstat means
that I do have a physical connection. I don't understand what DHCP is not
enabled when I checked the box to do that. I also see that this mnring
(different from last night) both comps are trying to be master browsers.
Last night it was only WILMA and browsing was not active on FRED.

Trying to connect using the RUN command didn't work. Also, I did not try to
use any tool to repair the winsock on WILMA. Please let me know if that's
recommended.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

 

[Guest]

Charlie,

If you have to run 2 computers, each with its own dial-up connection, you need
to select "This computer connects to the Internet directly or through a network
hub. Other computers on my network also connect to the Internet directly or
through a hub.". This will, unfortunately, assign IP settings to each at the
whim of the ISP.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#MultiDirect>

Since you can't predict the (IP) network settings for either computer, this is
one case where you will need to use IPX / SPX for file sharing. Be sure to
remove NBT / TCP/IP from file sharing!
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/one-unique-case-where-ipxspx-may-help.html>

Please be sure to use Windows Firewall, or a third party product, properly
configured, at all times! Protect yourself from the Internet!
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>

If your ISP is PPP compatible, consider replacing both modems with a PPP
compatible dialup router, and external modem. You'll be safer, and you could
save money in the long term.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/sharing-your-dialup-internet-service.html>

I'm looking at this option (router + modem). Do you think that would have
fewer problems or just greater security? As I read the posts here, folks
with routers are no better off with Windows networking that anyone else. If I
understand the technology, it would give both computers only one IP address
to deal with, right?

 

[Chuck]

I'm looking at this option (router + modem). Do you think that would have
fewer problems or just greater security? As I read the posts here, folks
with routers are no better off with Windows networking that anyone else. If I
understand the technology, it would give both computers only one IP address
to deal with, right?

Charlie,

A router + external modem won't solve every problem, but it will solve more than
one.
# Security (already stated).
# Stability (Get Dialup Networking off the computer).
# Simplicity (Not have to configure or maintain DUN) (and yes, only 1 IP address
/ computer).
# Lower CPU load (Eliminate both DUN, and external firewalls logging traffic).
# Cost reduction (Why pay for 2 ISP connections, 2 network cards, 2 phone lines,
etc?).
# Integrated LAN.
# Add another computer with no effort.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/ics-is-ok-but-you-can-do-better.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/ics-is-ok-but-you-can-do-better.html

You'll still need layered security - you're right, a router doesn't protect
against all of the bad stuff. Just the stuff that you can stop at the
perimeter.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html

 

[Guest]

[snip]
Thank you all for jumping in with some solutions. I tried Chuck's wizard
approach first. I thought it might have been the choice I made back when the
whole netowrk actually worked. This time, it didn't. "My Network Places" was
empty, neither computer could see or ping the other. I am trying to make sure
that I have a good physical connection before trying another setup. I also
reset TCP/IP and ran a fix for winsock corruption. My ongoing concern is
that I've had to try so many fixes (including a Windows reinstall) that I
need to clean up after each attempt as much as I can. I'll report back on
trying to set it up manually and testing for NIC and cable problems.

You're welcome. Browsing through My Network Places is unreliable, as
you can see from the large number of messages about it in this news
group. Try accessing the other computer directly, without browsing,
by typing its name in the Start | Run box in this format:

\\computer

If that doesn't work, here are some tests to help find the problem.
on each computer, open a command prompt window and enter these
commands. Each one should get four replies:

ping <this computer's IP address>
ping <other computer's IP address>
ping <this computer's name>
ping <other computer's name>

For example:

ping 192.168.0.1
ping 192.168.0.2
ping desktop
ping laptop
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

LATEST RESULTS:

Follwoing the instructions in Microsoft's 8-part series on setting up a
network, I did the following:
1. Installed Client for MS Networks, QOS Packet Sheduling, File & Print
Sharing and configured TCP/IP for fixed IP address of 192.168.0.1 and
192.168.0.2 for FRED and WILMA respectively.
2. I turned off the firewall on the local network connections.
3. I enabled NetBIOS over TCP/IP
4. I configured one folder on each computer to be shared but not the root
drive of either computer.

Now I could se My Netowrk Places, but each comp can only see the folder it
is ahring not the shared folder on the other comp. In Workgroup Computers,
FRED has icons for both; WILMA has icons for only WILMA. Clicking on the
WILMA icon on FRED yields a error message that access isn't possible and "The
Network path was not found."

Neither comp can ping the other by name or address.

The details I gathered are:



Status for domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{05C875A5-F2E0-4B56-933B-2503982D3011}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: FRED
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master FRED
\\FRED
There are 2 servers in domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{05C875A5-F2E0-4B56-933B-2503982D3011}
There are 1 domains in domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{05C875A5-F2E0-4B56-933B-2503982D3011}

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : FRED
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
Ethernet adapter Studynet:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0B-6A-EE-4A-E6
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

Ping: Ping request could not find host wilma. Please check the name and try
again.

Status for domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{62A406F1-67DE-4422-AC60-A7157B099486}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: WILMA
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master WILMA
\\WILMA
There are 1 servers in domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{62A406F1-67DE-4422-AC60-A7157B099486}
There are 1 domains in domain STUDYNET on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{62A406F1-67DE-4422-AC60-A7157B099486}

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : Wilma
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Studynet:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0B-6A-EF-6D-04
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.2
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

Ping: Ping request could not find host fred. Please check the name and try
again.

I'm assuming that the fact that WILMA sees other computers in browstat means
that I do have a physical connection. I don't understand what DHCP is not
enabled when I checked the box to do that. I also see that this mnring
(different from last night) both comps are trying to be master browsers.
Last night it was only WILMA and browsing was not active on FRED.

Trying to connect using the RUN command didn't work. Also, I did not try to
use any tool to repair the winsock on WILMA. Please let me know if that's
recommended.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Still hoping someone has some answers for me! Wha tI see consistently is
that the computers cannot ping each other. Does that mean a broken physical
connections? If not, where do I oook to find the problem? In Safe Mode, the
results are the same. I'm running AVG Free antivirus, but no one reports any
interference from it.